Over the past 40 years, nanotechnology has evolved into a foundation for modern innovation. Advanced nanocomposites are playing a large role across a broad set of industries. In consumer electronics, in particular they are enabling more powerful computing, brighter displays, smaller devices, longer-lasting battery life, and most importantly a more immersive user experience.
While effective for decades, traditional materials are no longer sufficient to power the performance requirements of next-gen devices. The development of high refractive index nanomaterials, such as those that Pixelligent is creating, deliver breakthrough optical and mechanical performance, while meeting the scalability and environmental standards required by the world’s largest consumer electronics brands.
Breakthroughs in High Refractive Index Materials
At the heart of Pixelligent’s innovation is its proprietary dispersion technology, the PixClearProcess®. Through this process we are able to integrate an exceptionally large concentration of nanoparticles into liquid systems – up to 80% by weight – without compromising clarity or viscosity. The result? A material that looks and behaves like water but is packed with nanotechnology designed to transform device performance.
This unique capability unlocks benefits for device manufacturers, like brighter displays, wider field of view, and sharper, crisper images. Additionally, Pixelligent’s materials are designed to integrate seamlessly with the manufacturing processes companies already use, such as nanoimprint lithography and inkjet printing. This means manufacturers can scale production efficiently without the burden of investing in costly new equipment.
From OLED to Extended Reality Devices
Pixelligent’s journey began in semiconductors but quickly expanded into adjacent markets where its technology could have the greatest impact. Early efforts in LED and OLED lighting demonstrated potential, but they never quite made it to market due to timing and cost challenges.
However, OLED displays are becoming the standard for electronics devices, and are on the verge of replacing LCD displays. With major manufacturers shifting production from LCD to OLED, the adoption curve for high index materials is accelerating.
The biggest window of opportunity for Pixelligent right now is within the Extended Reality (XR) market. As companies like Apple, Meta, and Samsung race to bring XR devices to market, the need for advanced optical materials is clear. By improving efficiency and clarity, Pixelligent’s technology makes XR devices more immersive, practical, and ready for mainstream adoption. Pixelligent’s materials are also driving innovations in sensors and next-gen optical technologies.
Scaling for the Future
Bringing these breakthroughs from lab discovery to global adoption requires more than just innovation. It demands scalable manufacturing, affordable economics, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. Pixelligent delivers on this by offering PFAS-free, environmentally responsible materials, at mass-production scale.
Looking ahead, nanotechnology will continue to play a large role in the manufacturing of next-gen electronics, powering AI-enabled devices, augmented and mixed reality glasses, and even autonomous vehicles. To learn more about how Pixelligent is shaping the future of these devices, check out CEO Craig Bandes on a recent episode of the Leaders on a Mission podcast.